Feinstein: Supreme Court Temporarily Allowing Transgender Ban is Deeply Disappointing

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump administration to enforce a transgender military ban before hearing the case, despite lower court rulings against the ban:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a lower court injunction and allow President Trump’s transgender ban to temporarily take effect, before hearing the case, is deeply disappointing. This decision creates unnecessary confusion for transgender individuals serving in the military.

“The ban would essentially restore ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ for transgender service members, only allowing them to serve if they hide their true identity. That previous policy directed toward LGBT service members harmed our military then, just as this one will now.

“Allowing transgender individuals to serve has no negative effect on the military’s mission readiness. In fact, our military is stronger when all Americans are allowed to serve openly and proudly.

"The Supreme Court should respect the lower court’s ruling–and the rights of those willing to bravely serve our country–and keep the injunction in place while the court process plays out.”

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